Did you know tooth decay is the leading chronic infectious
disease among children in the U.S.? February is National Children’s Dental
Health Month; take some time this month to focus on cavity-free teeth and
healthy gums for your children.
According to the American Dental Association and American
Academy of Pediatrics, all children should have their first dental check-up by
their first birthday. The purpose of this first check-up is to establish a
dental home, educate parents about infant oral care and establish good dental
habits.
Much like health and wellness-baby visits with the child’s
pediatrician, most of the appointment involves talking with the doctor. If your
child does not have a dentist, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Also check your dental insurance for a list of pediatric and family dentists located
near you.
If your child has health care needs, is extremely anxious or
has a large number of cavities, consider going to a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists have two to three years of additional training in taking
care of children’s teeth. That training includes prevention, advanced behavior
management, growth and development, care of medically complex patients,
hospital dentistry and pharmacological management.
At home, help your child develop healthy oral habits early
by brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Establish family routines to
encourage brushing twice a day, morning and night, with a small amount of
fluoridated toothpaste.
Use a smear of toothpaste for children under 3 and a
pea-sized amount for kids 3 and up. Young children will need help from an adult
to properly brush. By the age of 6 or 7, most kids have the manual dexterity to
brush on their own but might still need help with motivation.
Proper eating and drinking habits are also key to a healthy
mouth. Most people know eating too much candy can lead to dental decay. But
sipping on diluted apple juice, sweetened ice tea and sports drinks can also
lead to cavities. Putting a baby or toddler to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup
containing milk, formula, juice or anything besides water can quickly lead to
decayed teeth.
Frequent snacking on simple carbohydrates like crackers and
cereal, which are broken into sugar by the body, can also be detrimental. Avoid
these common dental pitfalls by offering better food and drink choices.
Keep your refrigerator and pantry stocked with nutritious,
kid-friendly food options like string cheese, precut fruit and vegetables,
peanut butter, water and white milk.
The JBSA Dental Clinic staff are ready to help parents and
children get on the right track toward healthy oral hygiene habits. For more
information, call pediatric dentistry at 652-1846.